Tens of thousands of people travelled to Portsmouth to welcome home HMS Queen Elizabeth, the navy's newest and biggest aircraft carrier. Many came from across the country, with some arriving in the early hours to get the best spot to see the ship's historic journey into the city. Here's our report from Mary Stanley

HMS Queen Elizabeth is the "embodiment of Britain in steel and spirit" and will act as a post-Brexit ambassador to the world, the head of the Royal Navy has said.

The carrier programme has brought together the best of British industry, with construction taking place across six cities and involving more than 10,000 people. Credit: PA

"We are gathered to witness another seminal moment in the long history of the Royal Navy in Portsmouth.

"In the golden years of the second Elizabethan age, a new era of British
maritime power is beginning.

"And in 50 years' time, people in Portsmouth will still talk about the day they saw this 65,000-tonne giant arrive for the first time."

– First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Philip Jones

A total of 3.2 million cubic metres of sediment, equivalent to 1,280 Olympic swimming pools has been removed from the harbour and approach channel, making it wide and deep enough to accommodate the enormous 65,000 tonne ships.

Royal Navy sailors lined up in ceremonial procedure on the flight deck of the mammoth ship, standing alongside civilian colleagues from the Aircraft Carrier Alliance, as she passed the Round Tower. Credit: PA

"Today we welcome our mighty new warship, HMS Queen Elizabeth to her home for the very first time. She is Britain’s statement to the world: a demonstration of British military power and our commitment to a bigger global role.

"The thousands of people across the UK who have played a part in building her and her sister ship, HMS Prince of Wales, should be immensely proud as our future flagship enters Portsmouth. She has made good progress in sea trials and will now embark on the next phase of preparations that will see the return of Britain‘s carrier strike ability.

"When she enters service she will help keep Britain safe at a time of increased threats, able to fill multiple roles from providing air power anywhere at any time to fight future campaigns, supporting allies or delivering humanitarian aid."